back...Purchase of real estate for the permanent seat of the Museum of Polish Children – victims of totalitarianism

“May we only live to see it. May we, the survivors, live to see the construction of the Museum building,” appealed in early September Jerzy Jeżewicz, a representative of former prisoners of the camp on Przemysłowa Street in Łódź. It looks like the plan to create a permanent seat for the Museum of Polish Children – victims of totalitarianism is getting closer to realisation. Three notarial deeds were signed today at the Museum’s headquarters for the purchase of real estate for the establishment of a permanent location in Łódź and a branch of the facility in Dzierżązna near Zgierz. The venture is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

On December 28 of this year, the Museum of Polish Children – victims of totalitarianism purchased two buildings located on the site of the former German concentration camp for Polish children on Przemysłowa Street in Łódź. These are the first steps in the establishment of the principal seat of the facility commemorating the small prisoners of the Łódź camp. One of the properties is the so-called Verwaltung at 34 Przemysłowa Street. The former camp commandant’s building will be the site for a permanent exhibition. The historical value of this location is confirmed by archival photographs showing, among other things, the roll call of prisoners with the building in the background. The second property is located at 29 Przemysłowa Street. A camp punishment centre was situated near it.

“It is of utmost importance to Survivors that the Museum’s permanent seat be located at the site of a Nazi German camp for Polish children. As a warning to future generations,”informed dr Ireneusz Piotr Maj, director of the facility.

The Museum of Polish Children – victims of totalitarianism has existed since June 1, 2021 in temporary premises. Among other things, the institution’s employees are engaged in gathering, developing and storing collections related to the history of the camp on Przemysłowa Street in Łódź. They also conduct exhibition, educational and scientific activities. Dr Ireneusz Piotr Maj has pointed out that now that a permanent headquarters will be built, the Museum will be able to expand its activities.

“The Museum’s permanent location, linked to its historical value, will provide the impetus for a modern exhibition display based on digital technologies. The investment will make it possible for us to develop our statutory activities, especially educating the younger generation,”he pointed out.

The Museum also acquired a property in the manor park in Dzierżązna in the Zgierz Municipality where the former coach house was located. During the German occupation, the building was located near the headquarters of Heinrich Hans Fuge, deputy commandant of Camillo Ehrlich in the camp on Przemysłowa Street and later head of the branch in Dzierżązna. Thanks to a donation made to the Museum by the Zgierz Municipality authorities represented by the mayor, Ms. Wioleta Głowacka, following building renovation, a branch of the institution with permanent and outdoor exhibitions will be established there.